Until high school, everything is a straight line. But choosing a degree or course you want to pursue in college can be a very big decision. This is because in college, the whole study curriculum is career-based, and your entire future is largely based on the course you take.
Sometimes, pursuing the wrong course can heavily impact your career and you may soon lose interest in the subject. And now, with the diverse range of subjects that have emerged over the years, it can be very confusing and difficult for a student to choose the right path.
In a survey, around 20 percent of the students have confided that they regret their choice of subject in their university, and would opt for another subject if given the opportunity.
Thus, while you decide what to pursue after high school, here are a few tips and steps that you can consider to help you choose the right path, according to your personality.
1. Research the various programs
Before making any final decision, make sure to research and know about the courses provided in the schools you have in mind. Read the whole description of the curriculum and the syllabus pattern, and see whether it fits your career type.
Also pay close attention to the courses that might seem similar, for instance, literature and comparative literature. Very often students tend to get confused between such courses and end up making a blunder.
After you have made a list of the courses that pique interest in you, consider the other factors such as the budget of the program, jobs you can opt for after your graduation, the duration of the program, and so on.
2. Decide on the school you want to go to
After you have decided on the course you want to take up, decide the school you want to opt for. You might already have a list of colleges or universities in mind, but choose the school that provides everything you need in a particular course subject. Make sure that the faculty is good, and the environment is student-friendly.
There are some university courses that also give you the opportunity to learn a new language along with your course curriculum. This will come in handy after you graduate and opt for jobs. So, you can also add this to your checklist.
Colleges or universities that offer internships and placements should be at the top of your list. These internships give you real-world insight into the problems and tasks that you may face later in your professional career.
3. Keep a practical approach
Once you are done choosing the course and the university, sit back and think practically for a moment. I have mentioned before how university education can be such a costly affair.
Therefore, seep into the world of reality and second whether you and your family can really support the tuition fee, living costs (if you live far away from the campus), and so on.
Also, think about what criteria you need to meet to secure a seat in your dream college. Most universities nowadays have made the GRE and other competitive examinations compulsory. Therefore, make sure to check all these factors beforehand.
4. Trust your instincts
Everyone has their own set of strengths and weaknesses and it’s important you choose your course of study based on that. For example, if you think you are weak in subjects like physics and maths, then it’s better if you discard these options from your course choices.
There are numerous disciplines and professions to choose from, so why would you want to risk your career with something that’s not your strength?
Pick a program where you can excel or the one which you can pursue head-on, with courage and absolute confidence.
Over to you…
Remember, in the end, everything rests on your decision. If high school was a lake, then college is like an ocean and you need to learn to swim, not drown in it. Make the final decision after thorough research and self-analysis, so that you don’t regret it in the coming ages.
